Thanks for signing up! You might also like these other newsletters:

If you have been treated for oral, head, or neck cancer, you know that the dry, sore mouth, loss of taste and smell, difficulty swallowing, and fatigue that comes with cancer treatments can reduce your appetite and ability to eat. More than half of individuals with oral, head, and neck cancer suffer from poor nutrition.

"Everything tasted like cardboard and it was too painful to swallow any solid foods," recalls Richard Learmont of Winthrop Harbor, Ill., who received treatment for oral, head, and neck cancer. "I lost about 40 pounds. My appetite was just gone."

Yet despite these challenges, it's essential to find a way to fuel your body with enough — and the right types — of nutrients. Taking in enough calories and proteins to maintain your weight and strength will enable your body to heal wounds and fight off infections, as well as improve the overall quality of your life.

Boosting Nutrition During and After OHN Cancer Treatment

To get the best nutrition for cancer recovery, the first thing you need to do is change your diet. Stay away from foods that are hard to chew or swallow, have sharp edges or are acidic, such as citrus fruit. Soften up foods with sauces or gravies.

"Homemade shakes or smoothies can be a good way of getting calories and protein," says Carolyn Lammersfeld, national director of nutritional support for Cancer Treatment Centers of America. She suggests blending a protein powder containing the milk protein whey with soy milk and a flavorful fruit. "My wife continually pushed those protein shakes on me; for a long time they were all I could get down," Learmont recalls.

Make sure to include cancer-fighting foods in your diet as well. Nutrition for cancer should include phytochemicals and antioxidants — natural cancer fighters found in vegetables and fruits that have been shown to strengthen the immune system. "Red berries and green tea have both been shown to have beneficial effects for cancer," Lammersfeld says.

Vitamins and Dietary Supplements in OHN Cancer Nutrition

"Canned liquid nutritional supplements are useful when you can't swallow soft food or you're too tired to make yourself a shake," says Lammersfeld, who recommends taking essential vitamins, especially vitamin B and vitamin D. Another supplement to consider is the mineral zinc, which has been shown to be an important part of nutrition for cancer and has the added benefit of improving the sense of taste in some people.

"There are many pros to adding supplements," says Lammersfeld, who cautions that since many supplements are not regulated or approved by the Federal Drug and Administration, claims are often not well investigated. Before relying too much on a supplement, get advice from an expert in nutrition for cancer.

Your cancer team probably has a nutritionist who can help. Most centers have classes for cancer nutrition and offer recipes and even shopping lists. Remember that proper nutrition for cancer is a big part of your treatment. Eat smart to get on the fast track to recovery.